How to Become a Landscaping Designer

If you enjoy planting flowers and creating garden scenes, then a new career as a landscaping designer may be right for you.  The saying that money grows on trees can actually become a reality for a landscaping designer.  Landscaping designers work with their clients on every aspect of landscaping such as planting trees and flowers, to be sure they are landscaping project comes out beautifully.

• Decide if this is the career field for you.  Landscaping designers work with vegetation, plants and terrain to transform designs into masterpieces. They work with homeowners, businesses, schools and organizations. Designers can start their own business, work at a firm or government organization or work at a plant nursery. Landscapers take care of the entire project from presenting a plan complete with drawings to finalizing a budget.


• Complete your desired education or courses. Most states do not require landscape artist to hold any type of college degree. Obtaining a college degree with emphasis on horticulture, botany, floriculture, agriculture, landscaping or soil science will help you learn and succeed in your field. Designers also have the option of entering a certification program through the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. The Professional Landcare Network and the Professional Grounds Management Society also offer certificate programs.


• Set your price list. You can choose to charge clients per hour or per project. The average salary for landscapers is $38, 997.  Other factors that determine pay are client base size, education, references and work ethic.


• Begin marketing to drive in clients. When a client is searching for a designer, they will use three methods: Internet, phone book and word-of-mouth. It is important to get it in good with contractors because many contractors will refer the client to you when work comes available. The Internet is a good place to advertise if you can get a website up of your business. The phone book may be a bit expensive to run an ad, but many people still use the phone book. Don't forget to check the ad rates in your local newspaper.


• Acquire designer tools. Before you get started as a landscape designer, there are a few tools you will need. One tool you should have when meeting a client to discuss details of a potential project is a sketchpad. The sketchpad will be useful when writing details and property measurements. It is also good to carry a measuring tape and measuring roller wheel with you. And perhaps the most important tool is a nicely put together portfolio complete with pictures of previous work done. Your portfolio will be your selling point for potential clients.

The most important thing to remember when becoming a landscaping designer is to do something creative and offbeat, and not to do what everyone else is doing. The best designers design with their heart and create with their mind. Always keep your designs original and don't forget work ethics and morals.